The Bluebird Patch

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Manwich for SocialSpark . All opinions are 100% mine.   There are days I wish I could just push a button so dinner can magically appear on my table. Since this is not possible I'm always looking for recipes that are easy and doesn’t take more than 20 minutes. Sliders is one of those things that are perfect for any occasion. I love serving them at parties and kids love them because of their size. I personally love sliders because it  helps me gain control  of my  portion sizes.   Manwich has 3 different canned sauce varieties original, Bold, and Thick & Chunky and a refrigerated pre-made sloppy joe mix that are great not just for sloppy joes but just about everything you can imagine.  There is NO meat in Manwich cans – Manwich is a tangy sauce perfect for sandwiches, pastas and more. You can even use it to make chilli, meatloaf, and chicken wings! It can also work well in meat-free dishes, like t

“Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world...would do this, it would change the earth.”  William Faulkner

Do you follow Bluebird Patch Atlanta on Twitter? We are trending today!  http://twitter.com/BluebirdPtchATL

Join Us for a Snow Day Adventure! Visiting Nurse Health System will hold its annual Children’s Program fundraiser, the BIG-TO-DO, on February 9, 2014, from 2-6pm on Snow Mountain at Stone Mountain Park.  The event benefits The Children’s Program: medical care provided to children and their families, many of whom are coping with the overwhelming diagnosis of a terminal illness in their homes or at the Hospice Atlanta Center. The most costly care Visiting Nurse provides is to its pediatric patients. Sponsoring or attending the BIG-TO-DO will help Visiting Nurse provide critical care for families during a very difficult time. Families of all ages can participate in an exhilarating snow adventure at Snow Mountain. BIG-TO-DO tickets include entrance to the park, two hours of snow tubing, snowmen and igloo building, access to The Snow Zone and much more.  Families can warm up inside with snacks and hot chocolate while enjoying the Snow Angel and other ente

If you love pancakes for breakfast as much and I do then you must try this recipe from our friend Carolyn O'Neil latest cookbook, " Eating well and living healthy in the land of biscuits and bacon ".  I was  partnered  with Carolyn as part of the "got milk" Milk Mustache campaign and we had the opportunity to sit down for lunch and talk about nutrition and common myths regarding milk  consumption . She signed our book and I was so excited to meet her that the next morning I made her "Pecan Pancakes" for breakfast. My kids absolutely loved them and even ask me to make them again the next day.  The pancakes because of the added pecans are loaded with vitamin E and heart healthy omega-3 fatty acid. Of course, a tall glass with 8oz of milk is a must. Pancakes and milk = happy breakfast! Slim Down South Cookbook  “Pecan Pancakes” INGREDIENTS 1 cup of all purpose flour ½ cup of finely chopped pecans (or walnuts) toasted

I'm a spokesperson on behalf the Protein Fight Club Milk Mustache Campaign. I have been compensated for this post. All opinions expressed are 100% my own. Time flies fast when you are having fun! I can't believe a month ago I started my journey as a spokesperson for the Milk Mustache "Got Milk" campaign.  I was paired with registered dietician Carolyn O'Neil and was given cool gadgets to help me achieve my new year resolutions towards a happy and healthier new me.   It has been an exciting journey mostly because of the many lessons I've learned along the way. From not skipping breakfast to being more mindful of how many steps I take during the day here are my top five lessons I take with me that has helped me live a happy and healthier life. 1. Start your day with milk!  A good breakfast habit is essential is you want to loose weight! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and with 8 grams of protein in each 8-ounce glas

  GEORGIA ADVOCATES! Help us to get Ava's Law passed next spring! If passed, Ava's Law would require insurance companies to pay for "evidence-driven treatment" -- or treatment that's been scientifically shown to help kids with an autism spectrum disorder . The law would not affect the self-insured plans offered by bigger companies, which cover about 60% of insured people in the state, according to the Georgia Office of Insurance.    The new bill,  HB.309 , would require coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism, including physical, occupational, speech and behavioral health therapy. Sponsored by Representative Ben Harbin, the bill would take effect 60 days after enactment. If you want this done this year, it is essential that you at least send an email! Here is How YOU Can Help:

Every day millions of Latino children are being cheated out of an education. Compared to 44% of White/Asian children, only 9% of Latino children will ever take an AP math class. Latinos also have the highest high school drop out rate. On January 28th at Klaus 1447 from 11-12pm, there will be a conversation about what must be done with the Latino community to ensure that all Latino children receive an excellent education. FREE FOOD will be provided. Event hosted by Teach for America. - See more at: http://www.logras.gatech.edu/general-announcements/2014/01/23/education-talk-career-forum-secretary-application-mexico-soccer-game#sthash.q71P3OhI.dpuf Every day millions of Latino children are being cheated out of an education. Compared to 44% of White/Asian children, only 9% of Latino children will ever take an AP math class. Latinos also have the highest high school drop out rate. On January 28th at Klaus 1447 from 11-12pm, there will be a conversation about what must

Looking to add a new member to your family? Consider adopting this adorable Russian Blue cat. I'm currently fostering Dusty and his brother Dillon for a few weeks. He'll be available for adoption at Georgia SPCA in a few days. If you have any questions please send me an email or inquire at the shelter.

The Gwinnett Braves have awarded their $1,000 grant for the month of December to Parkwood Farms Therapy Center, Inc. of Snellville, GA.  The “Season of Giving” themed grant is designed to assist organizations that benefit youth, education or sports programming. Parkwood Farms Therapy Center, Inc. is a multi-discipline therapy center located in Snellville, Georgia. We offer non-traditional therapies both in a clinical setting and Therapeutic riding and Equine Assisted Activities, as our signature program. Dr. Peterson is the Special Olympics Equestrian coach for Gwinnett County and Parkwood Farms is the training facility for the team. They also have Chiropractic services, Bio-Medical/Defeat Autism Now! Intervention, Bio-Cleanse, Far Infrared Sauna, mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT), and Nutritional counselling on-site. Their programs provide therapies for children with special needs including autism , Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, emotional-behavioral problems and lea

Metro Atlanta, 4 local public schools will receive $1,000 each from IKEA for their participation in the IKEA Atlanta Soft Toys For Education PTA CHALLENGE: PHILIP RANDOLPH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Carlene Millen – Principal) ARABIA MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL (Mr Rodney Swanson – Principal) BRUMBY ELEMENTARY (Amanda Richie - Principal) HARPER-ARCHER MIDDLE SCHOOL (Jermaine Dawson – Principal) Since 2003, the SoftToys for Education Campaign has reached more than 10 million children through 90 projects in 46 countries. To date, IKEA Foundation has donated $74 million to UNICEF and Save the Children programs to help make schools more child-friendly. These programs include: ·           Providing educational supplies ·          Training teachers in child-friendly teaching techniques ·          Improving access to education for minority children ·          Building better water and bathroom facilities in schools About the IKEA Foundation The Soft Toys

  Venture into the World’s Most Diverse Marine Ecosystem When Journey to the South Pacific Debuts at Fernbank’s IMAX® Theatre on January 24, 2014 Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Fernbank opens a new IMAX film about the beauty and life of the South Pacific (one of the most popular honeymoon destinations)! Narrated by Cate Blanchett, Journey to the South Pacific leads moviegoers on a breathtaking IMAX adventure to the lush tropical islands of remote West Papua, where life flourishes above and below the sea. Join Jawi, a young island boy, as he takes viewers on a journey of discovery that includes encounters with whale sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, and other iconic creatures of the sea. Home to more than 2,000 species of sea life, this exotic locale features the most diverse marine ecosystem on earth. An uplifting story of hope and celebration, Journey to the South Pacific highlights the importance of living in balance with the ocean planet we all call home. Journ

   DO YOU BELIEVE IN KARMA? Today is one of those days the universe likes to play tricks on me.  After leaving my daughter at school I saw a dog running loose in the middle of Peachtree Parkway. I followed the dog in my car until he disappeared into a wooded area. At that point  there wasn't anything left I could do. It was freezing, I did not have a leash and I was wearing...a summer dress. I turned the car around, and as I was heading home, the dog reappeared and crossed to the other side of the highway. With horror I saw how a car almost hit him so I decided to follow him one more time. Luckily this time with a little patience I was able to make the dog get inside the car.   Once I took a good look at him I realized that he was a Pitbull.  OMG! What have I done... First thought was Liza keep calm, dogs can smell fear.

I'm a spokesperson on behalf the Protein Fight Club Milk Mustache Campaign. I have been compensated for this post. All opinions expressed are 100% my own. Start your mornings with a refreshing protein packed milk-based smoothie. This sweet delicious smoothie is packed with protein from the milk and peanuts, potassium from the bananas, and a big dose of vitamins and antioxidants from the strawberries. As a Milk Mustache Campaign spokesperson , I've been learning how to improve my eating habits, especially at breakfast. One thing I have learned from my partnered dietician Carolyn O'Neil is to pump up my mornings by incorporating 8oz of milk on my breakfast routine. Despite the known benefits of a good breakfast, Americans continue to skip this important meal. With 8 grams of protein in each 8-ounce glass (even more than in an egg!), milk is a nutrient-rich breakfast staple. Please keep following our Milk Mustache Campaign blog posts . We'll be

We are so excited to be partnering with Mom It Forward as a panelist on the #gno Twitter party tonight! We'll be chatting with  Ricola   about staying healthy. For more information about the party and sponsor, please be sure to visit the RSVP  post . Also, don't forget to enter the  giveaway ! On 28 June 2010, Ricola AG set up the Ricola Foundation.  The first major project to receive support from the foundation is COLOSS, a scientific network conducting research into the severe losses of honeybee colonies worldwide. The foundation is helping COLOSS to enhance and maintain its global network of research institutions, universities and beekeepers. The project's home is the Bee Research Centre at Agroscope Liebefeld-Posieux Research Station ALP. COLOSS was started with EU funds in November 2008 and currently has 265 members from 56 countries. The one-hour #gno party will be held on  Tuesday, January 21 from 9:00 - 10:00 p.m. EST. Don't miss it!